Can a Garbage Disposer Discharge to a Septic Tank?

Garbage disposal units add greatly to the amount of solids entering a septic system.

A garbage disposal unit is a common and convenient way to get rid of food waste in the kitchen. Garbage disposals can be used in homes with septic tanks. However, it is better to minimize your use of a garbage disposal if it is attached to a septic tank.

Garbage Disposals and Septic Systems

Garbage disposals work by grinding food waste into small particles. These small particles of food increase the concentration of suspended solids in a septic tank, which increases the risk of clogging and can lead to a more rapid buildup of sludge layers in the tank, according to Grinning Planet.

Accomodating Garbage Disposals

Because a garbage disposal adds to the solids entering your septic system, the septic tank will fill up more quickly. The tank should therefore be pumped out and serviced more often, to avoid the risk of it failing. Depending on how often the garbage disposal is used, the tank may need to be pumped up to twice as often, according to Laundry Alternative.

Septic System Design

Septic systems can be designed to accommodate the additional food waste created by a garbage disposal. These systems have a greater tank volume and have a larger infiltration field, for the absorption of waste into the soil. However, if you already have an existing system, it is easier and less expensive to minimize your use of the garbage disposal instead.

References

• Grinning Planet: To Grind or Not To Grind?
• Laundry Alternative: Garbage Disposal and Septic Tank